Instructions for Completing the Application

1. Please fill out the attached application form completely. If you wish to add an explanation to any item, please attach an extra sheet to the form.

2. The following items MUST accompany your application:

      A. A brief essay describing the educational program you plan to pursue and your career goals;

      B. Proof of enrollment from the school you plan to attend (schedule for next semester and/or acceptance letter for entering freshmen);

      C. A grade transcript or other proof that you have at least a grade point average of 2.8 on a 4 point scale, and ACT/SAT scores for entering freshmen;

      D. A letter of recommendation from the session of your church over the signature of the clerk of session;

      E. A copy of your current FAFSA form; and

      F. A statement showing what financial aid by way of loans and grants are being provided to you from other sources.

      G. For post graduate ministerial students only: a statement from the chair of the Committee on Preparation for the Ministry that you are under care of the UOVP.

3. Applications must be postmarked no later than MAY 31.

4. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT YOUR APPLICATION IS COMPLETE.  INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

5. Please send completed application to:

UOVP Russell Scholarship Program C/O Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery

907 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003

6. If you have questions concerning the application, please call The Rev. Robert Willits at (304) 232-3383.  

SUGGESTIONS WHEN APPLYING FOR THE RUSSELL SCHOLARSHIP

The task group offers students, parents, sessions, and advisors looking toward the Russell Scholarship process the following suggestions to maximize the effectiveness and impact of your application:

1. Make sure you start early enough to get your application mailed in on time.  No one missed the time cut last year, but some came close.

2. Use sufficient postage.  It’s a little thing, but if you’re trying to make a good impression it’s a bit awkward to have your materials arrive “Postage Due.”

3. Use an envelope large enough to contain all your materials without folding them.

4. Use the checklist provided at the beginning of the application to make sure you include every piece of information that is required.  Some applicants left out some items last year. 

5. If a particular piece of information is not available for some reason or another (your expected financial aid from your educational institution, for example), phone the number listed in the supporting materials on the Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery website, or call the presbytery office itself and explain the problem, then include written documentation of how the problem was dealt with.  Several applicants encountered such issues, and no one who followed this procedure was hindered in the application process.

6. Write your personal essay thoughtfully, carefully, hey – even prayerfully!  Brief and well-focused is fine, but do put some significant effort into it.  In years past, some essays were enjoyable and inspiring reading, and gave a clear picture of who and what God was calling a particular applicant to be and do, how that person’s educational goals fit into the picture, and how a Russell Scholarship might help.  Others, not so much.  This is a key part of the application.

7. Clerks of Session, in your recommendation be as specific and complete as you can in describing an applicant’s life in faith.  If you have questions, feel free to phone the convener (name and number listed in the on-line materials).

Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery

Robert and Helen Russell Scholarship Fund

Student Grant Application

Application deadline: postmarked by May 31.

Please send completed application to:

UOVP Russell Scholarship Program 
C/O Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery
907 National Road, Wheeling, WV 26003  

I   Click here for Print Friendly Copy

Section A - You (the applicant):

1.  First Name   Middle Initial   
     Last Name

2.  Permanent Mailing Address
    
     City   State   Zip Code

3.  Social Security Number

4.  Date of Birth

5.  Permanent Home Telephone Number 

6.  Marital Status (Choose One)  Single Married Widowed Divorced

7.  Legal Dependents (Other than a spouse):

     Dependent 1      
     Dependent 2
     Dependent 3      
     Dependent 4

8.  Home Church Name
     Address
                
     City   State    Zip Code

9   Pastor's Name

10. Clerk of Session's Name

11. Youth Director's Name

12. Are you a member of this church?  Yes  No

13. Length of Time Attending This Church? 

Section B - Your Plans:

1.  Your Expected Enrollment For The School Year When The Scholarship Will Apply:

2. College Degree/certificate you expect to receive and projected completion date:  
  Degree: 
  Completion Date: 

3.  Your Grade Level During The School Year Previous To When The Scholarship Will Apply:
       Choose One: 1st. Year / Never Attended College 1st. Year / Attended College Before 2 nd. Year / Sophomore 3rd. Year Junior 4th. Year / Senior 5th. Year / Other Undergraduate 1st. Year Graduate / Professional 2nd. Year Graduate / Professional 3rd. Year Graduate / Professional Beyond 3rd. Year Graduate / Professional

4. What Colleges (please include complete address) Do You Plan To Attend In The Coming Year?
     College Name:
     College Address:
                            

5.  In addition to this scholarship, what other types of loans or grants have you or your parents applied for? 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

6. What Veterans' Educational Benefits do you expect to receive this coming year?  Amount per month $    Number of months:

Section C - Family Information

Section D - Income Earnings and Benefits

ASSETS: